Bradbury Thompson: The Art of Graphic Design

Rating:
Summary: More than a Biography...
Review: This gorgeous memoir showcasing Bradbury Thompson's work for Westvaco Paper is, without doubt, one of the most prized books in my design library. It is beautifully crafted and printed and is a full-color, visually rich stroll through one of the most significant design careers of the 20th century. Reflections from several contributors guide readers through Thompson's experiences at Westvaco and reveal the imagination and intelligence of an unassuming genius. The text is a balanced accompaniment to his work and unpacks the philosophically and technically innovative processes Thompson used for producing exceptionally creative work in the post-war world of publishing. Thompson is not afraid to credit sentiment, collaborate with the other arts, or find inspiration in any source. Furthermore, his solutions are sensitive to the practical demands of life in the 40's and 50's. Deadlines, the value of humor, the importance of family, and the desire for experimentation are woven throughout the chapters and projects. The book is organized by projects and ranges from his Monalphabet, Alphabet 26, and designing the Washburn Bible to purely aesthetic concerns of creating motion with graphics and type. Students and designers who believe visually exciting, cutting-edge design is exclusive to their own immediate recollections of 20th century trends will be amazed to discover ideas, visual experimentation and originality over fifty years old. This is also print design pre-dtp and so the manipulations of type, image and color are absolute technical marvels. The resulting aesthetic is stronger than simply a cool retro "look" and for most designers will be simply ... inspirational.

Rating:
Summary: More than a Biography...
Review: This gorgeous memoir showcasing Bradbury Thompson's work for Westvaco Paper is, without doubt, one of the most prized books in my design library. It is beautifully crafted and printed and is a full-color, visually rich stroll through one of the most significant design careers of the 20th century. Reflections from several contributors guide readers through Thompson's experiences at Westvaco and reveal the imagination and intelligence of an unassuming genius. The text is a balanced accompaniment to his work and unpacks the philosophically and technically innovative processes Thompson used for producing exceptionally creative work in the post-war world of publishing. Thompson is not afraid to credit sentiment, collaborate with the other arts, or find inspiration in any source. Furthermore, his solutions are sensitive to the practical demands of life in the 40's and 50's. Deadlines, the value of humor, the importance of family, and the desire for experimentation are woven throughout the chapters and projects. The book is organized by projects and ranges from his Monalphabet, Alphabet 26, and designing the Washburn Bible to purely aesthetic concerns of creating motion with graphics and type. Students and designers who believe visually exciting, cutting-edge design is exclusive to their own immediate recollections of 20th century trends will be amazed to discover ideas, visual experimentation and originality over fifty years old. This is also print design pre-dtp and so the manipulations of type, image and color are absolute technical marvels. The resulting aesthetic is stronger than simply a cool retro "look" and for most designers will be simply ... inspirational.